Gothic Literature

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Gothic Literature

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Gothic Literature. Today’s Objectives. Identify and explain the major characteristics of Gothic Literature. Synthesize knowledge of previous literary eras with new information about Gothic Literature. . Historical Context. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Transcript of Gothic Literature

Page 1: Gothic  Literature

Gothic Literature

Page 2: Gothic  Literature

Today’s Objectives

Identify and explain the major characteristics of Gothic Literature.

Synthesize knowledge of previous literary eras with new information about Gothic Literature.

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Historical ContextThe words Goth and Gothic describe the Germanic tribes that sacked Rome and ravaged the rest of Europe in the third, fourth, and fifth centuries.

By the 18th century in England, Gothic had become synonymous with the Middle Ages, a period which was in disfavor because it was perceived as chaotic, unenlightened, and superstitious.

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Gothic Architecture (12th – 16th Century)

Gothic architecture used pointed arches and vaults, narrow spires, stained glass windows, intricate traceries, and varied details.

Its upward movement was meant to suggest heavenward aspiration.

“Gothic” came to describe a certain type of novel, so named because these novels seemed to always take place in Gothic-styled architecture – mainly castles, mansions, and Gothic style churches.

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Washington Irving (1783 – 1859)

American author, essayist, and biographer, most known for his short stories:

“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”“Rip Van Winkle”

Often regarded as the originator of the American short story

Many of his stories have supernatural elements and dark tones

Popularized the nickname “Gotham” for New York City

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Gothic Conventions

Murder Death Suicide Ghosts Demons

Gloomy Family Dungeons Curses Torture

Vampires Spirits Castles Tombs Terror

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Importance of Setting• The setting is greatly

influential in Gothic novels. It not only evokes the atmosphere of horror and dread, but also portrays the deterioration of its world.

• The decaying, ruined scenery implies that at one time, there was a thriving world. At one time, the abbey, castle, or landscape was something treasured and appreciated. Now, all that remains is the decaying shell of a once thriving setting.

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Archetypal CharactersThe Gothic Hero

Protagonist who is usually isolated, either voluntarily or involuntarilyWise beyond his/her yearsBurdened by secret guilt/sorrow

The VillainEpitome of evil by his (usually a man) own fall from grace or some implicit malevolence

The WandererEpitome of isolation as he/she wanders the earth in perpetual exile, usually a form of divine punishment

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Basic Plot Elements

Action tends to take place at night, or at least in a claustrophobic, sunless environmentAscent (up a mountain, high staircase, etc.)Descent (into a dungeon, cave, labyrinth, etc.) or falling off a precipice; secret passagesThe pursued maiden and the threat of rape or abductionPhysical decay, skulls, cemeteries, and other images of death; ghosts; revenge; family curse; blood and gore; torture; black magic; madness